Bramwell Tovey steps down as Artistic Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

Maestro Bramwell Tovey, the Grammy and Juno award-winning artistic director of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has stepped down from the post he has held since 2006.

Tovey, Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra and Music Director Emeritus of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, who made his BBC Proms debut with the NYBBGB at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2012, told the Band that his decision to leave was as a result of the need for more personal time to address the reoccurrence of an ongoing health issue requiring immediate attention. This is not COVID-19 related. Tovey’s resignation followed his resignation from Calgary Opera for the same reason.

Past Chair Dr Robert Childs, who worked closely with Tovey for over a decade, said “Bramwell is one of the most inspirational musicians I have ever witnessed. His work with the NYBBGB over the past decade will be remembered by members and staff alike. The soloists he has brought to the band have been world class, as were the guest conductors, and his music commissions have added great quality to the brass band repertory.

However, the overriding memory I have of his long and distinguished tenure was his humility and ability to communicate on so many levels with the young musicians of the Band. He knew them all by name and made them all feel like professional musicians. Bramwell will be dearly missed by all.”

Mark Bromley, NYBBGB’s Chief Executive Officer added: “I’d only got to know Bramwell well over the last three months since joining the Band as CEO, but already I know I’m going to miss his wise counsel. He brought so much to his role, inspired so many youngsters and delivered so many special performances. I’m now focussed on ensuring we build on his legacy and that our future artistic direction is something he will be proud of.”

Bramwell is a graduate of the University of London and the Royal Academy of Music, of which he was elected an honorary Fellow (in 2004). He was elected an honorary Fellow of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto (2005).